Ricky and Colette had left their house that day expecting an ordinary afternoon. But when they pulled into a busy California parking lot, they stumbled across something that stopped them in their tracks: five tiny lop-eared rabbits trembling in the dirt. The siblings were pressed tightly against one another, frozen in fear, their little bodies huddled for comfort and protection.
At first, the couple thought maybe the bunnies had escaped from someone’s yard nearby. But there were no carriers, no signs of an owner, and the lot sat next to a major freeway. The grim reality dawned on them almost immediately — these babies had been intentionally abandoned.
“They were so afraid, they just stayed huddled together,” The Rabbit Haven later wrote on Facebook. It was clear the bunnies had no idea how to survive on their own in such a dangerous environment. With cars whizzing past and the hot sun beating down, their chance of survival without intervention was slim.
The Couple Refuses To Leave Them Behind
For Ricky and Colette, walking away was never an option. They couldn’t bear the thought of the five siblings spending another night in the harsh parking lot with no food, no water, and no protection. With care and patience, the couple scooped up the frightened rabbits, cradling them as gently as possible.
The bunnies didn’t resist. They simply stayed locked together, their survival instinct keeping them close. The couple drove them home, determined to give the little ones a safe place to rest until help arrived. Their next step was to call The Rabbit Haven, a trusted nonprofit that had been rescuing rabbits across California for over four decades.
When The Rabbit Haven answered, the urgency was immediate. Abandoned rabbits rarely survive long in the wild. Domestic breeds, unlike their wild cousins, don’t know how to forage for safe food or protect themselves from predators. Without Ricky and Colette’s intervention, the five siblings might not have lasted another day.
Welcomed With Open Arms At The Rabbit Haven
As soon as The Rabbit Haven staff learned what had happened, they arranged for the bunnies’ intake. When the group finally arrived, the rescuers were both overjoyed and heartbroken. Joy came from knowing the siblings were finally safe; heartbreak came from imagining the cruelty that had left them there in the first place.
“What a sad situation,” the rescue wrote. “How cruel to leave defenseless babies out in the dirt in the hot sun. Looks like they just pulled off the freeway and dumped them.”
The staff gave the babies names — Robin, Rhona, Reeses, Roy, and Reayah — and began the careful process of making them comfortable. The bunnies were given fresh hay, pellets, cool water, and a clean space to rest. Within minutes, their stress began to melt away. Their ears perked up, their noses twitched, and for the first time in who knows how long, they felt safe.
Thriving Under Love And Care
As the days turned into weeks, Robin, Rhona, Reeses, Roy, and Reayah began to reveal the unique personalities hidden beneath their fear. Staff described them as sweet, curious, and surprisingly quick to learn.
“They are all very sweet,” The Rabbit Haven wrote. “They are quickly learning to use the litter box and are so happy to have a constant supply of food and love.”
What amazed the rescuers most was how resilient the siblings were. Despite their traumatic beginnings, the bunnies responded to kindness with trust. They loved being around people, especially when gentle hands brought treats or head scratches. Their bond with one another remained strong, too — even with food and toys nearby, the five often curled up together in a fluffy heap, proof of the comfort they found in each other’s presence.
For The Rabbit Haven, stories like these underscore the importance of rescue work. Rabbits are often misunderstood pets — people assume they can survive outdoors like wild hares, but in reality, abandoned domestic rabbits almost always face suffering and early death. These five were lucky. They were found just in time.
Searching For Forever Homes
Now that Robin, Rhona, Reeses, Roy, and Reayah have regained their health and confidence, The Rabbit Haven is preparing the next step in their journey: foster homes. The organization carefully screens volunteers to ensure the rabbits will be placed in safe, loving environments where they can continue to thrive until permanent homes are found.
“Let’s pull together and get these sweethearts into foster care where they can thrive,” the group urged in their post. “Please help them and show [them] the love they deserve.”
For Ricky and Colette, the memory of that parking lot discovery remains vivid. They didn’t just save five lives that day — they gave the bunnies a second chance at happiness. And for the staff and volunteers at The Rabbit Haven, the story is a reminder of why they continue their mission year after year: because even the smallest creatures deserve compassion.
In the end, Robin, Rhona, Reeses, Roy, and Reayah are no longer “parking lot strays.” They are cherished, safe, and loved — proof that kindness can rewrite even the saddest beginnings.
